How and or why did you start collecting the Lakeside Classics?

Thought it might be nice to know how or why you started collecting the Lakeside Classics.

I'll start:

In the late eighties, a friend of mine worked for R R Donnelley. He received the books yearly and was throwing them away! He discovered my obsession for books and gave me one as a Christmas present.

My friend and I have parted ways... but my love for the Lakeside Classics remains!

I work at a museum, and love reading first hand accounts of history. I also have a thing for collecting uniform editions (i.e. Modern Library). So, I collect to read, but they also look beautiful on my shelf in my office.

I've volunteered for, and been on the various boards of our local library ever since I was a Cub Scout. Ever since I discovered these little gems, I've been fascinated by them. The library puts them in their book sale, and I make a point of grabbing them. My biggest regret is that quite a few years ago I had about 30+ copies and sold them to a used book dealer. Some of these I've never been able to replace. I manage to find copies each year, some duplicates of ones I already own, so let me know if anyone wants any. Currently I don't believe I have any.

Pure serendipity...I found a couple titles in an upscale library booksale in Marin County, CA, and have been collecting selected titles on western history topics ever since. While I've no wish to assemble a complete run, there are still several earlier titles for which I'm on the lookout!

I happened across #91 (A Texas Ranger) at Half Price Books and was intrigued by its feel and design. I've since acquired several of the newer books. I like the fact that they are not sold commercially, at least in theory. I've been salivating over those nearly-complete sets sometimes found on Ebay or in the used book marketplace.

I work for Donnelley, and am passionate about books, history, and collecting.

@funkymonkeyjavajunky -- Do the books come shrinkwrapped in little boxes still, or just shrinkwrapped? Does *everyone* get one, or just at a certain level and up on the organization chart? i.e. does the night watchman get one? The folks that clean the buildings? I've always wondered. (Of course this is all now past-tense since they've decided to close the series). THANKS!

I hope they will reconsider. I worked as a temp in the ‘80s for a Meredith-Burda plant that Donnelley owned. That’s where I first learned of them. I desperately tried to get a permanent job there but no luck and was too far down the totem pole to get a book. They printed a lot of magazines there and the gentlemen got copies of the naughty ones while the ladies got the more domestic ones.